*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review!*
*Also this is my first ever blog tour post- so I’m PSYCHED- thanks a million to Reads and Reels for the opportunity*
Well, Leuschel has done it again. After her intense debut, Manipulated Lives, I just knew I had to explore more of her realistic and chilling character study pieces.
And that’s what she does best here. The characterisation is delivered subtly, building up slowly over the course of the story, as you get to know the manipulator at a deliciously steady pace.
From the opening, I was drawn into a stiflingly realistic world and was naturally impressed with the execution. The writing was crisp, clear and coloured the scenes with an air of mystery effectively.
One of the things that worked so well in this novella was the interlocking of past and present- transitioning seamlessly from memories to thoughts. Thanks to this, there was plenty of intrigue. Wound up in the hints of where the story was going, I had a delectable sense of foreboding, keeping me wired right to the end.
When everything did come to a head it was gratifying, that’s for sure. The only additional thing I would have liked in this story was perhaps a little extra space for the drama in the conclusion- which basically can be summed up as the same problem I have with most novellas- especially when I’m enjoying them so much: MORE PLEASE. Because I really didn’t want this one to end- it was such an intoxicating read.
Rating: 4/5 bananas
Release Date: 6th December, 2017
A stand-alone novella from the author of Manipulated Lives
A perfect friend … or a perfect impostor?
Alexa is an energetic and charismatic professional and the new member of a Parisian PR company where she quickly befriends her colleagues Rosie and Jack. She brings a much-needed breath of fresh air into the office and ambitiously throws herself into her new job and friendships.
But is Alexa all she claims to be?
As her life intertwines with Rosie and Jack’s, they must all decide what separates truth from fiction. Will the stories that unfold unite or divide them? Can first impressions ever be trusted?
In this original novella, H.A. Leuschel evokes the powerful hold of appearances and what a person is prepared to do to keep up the facade. If you like thought-provoking and compelling reads with intriguing characters, My Sweet Friend is for you.
Excerpt
Later that evening, as I sat down for dinner, I noticed my mobile flashing with an incoming notification. I tapped on the screen and read a text from a yet unknown number.
Thanks so much for making me feel welcome. Have a nice evening. Alexa.
That’s nice, I thought. People usually loved moaning instead of complimenting.
It was a pleasure. I look forward to working with you, I typed back, ending the message with a smiley emoji.
I finished my meal then walked over to the table where I’d left the day’s post, heaped up in a neat pile, but I froze at the sight of yet another dreaded envelope which pulled me straight out of my previous good mood.
It was another bill I’d have to somehow find the funds to cover. I knew of their regular arrival, yet I was still startled by the level of anxiety that rose in my chest when they were in my hands, making them tremble. Oh, Maman, I miss you so much.
Pain, guilt and anger built up each time I pictured my mother – the pain piercing through my stomach whenever I worriedly woke up at night, the guilt enveloping me when, like today, I’d laughed and worked without a single thought for her, and the anger, constantly there, because I didn’t know how to cope.
Enter for your chance to win a digital copy (Format of Choice) of My Sweet Friend
Rafflecopter Giveaway (hosted by the author)
About the Author
Helene Andrea Leuschel grew up in Belgium where she gained a Licentiate in Journalism & Communication, which led to a career in radio and television in Brussels, London and Edinburgh. She now lives with her husband and two children in Portugal and recently acquired a Master of Philosophy with the OU, deepening her passion for the study of the mind. When she is not writing, Helene works as a freelance journalist and teaches yoga.
Helene Leuschel | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Organised by:
My Sweet Friend by H.A. Leuschel
Blog Tour Schedule
Feb. 19th
Reads & Reels (Feature Promo) http://www.readsandreels.com
Brizzle Lass Books (Excerpt) https://brizzlelassbooks.com
The Repeat Mom (Review) http://Thethreepeatmom.blogspot.com
Sinfully Wicked Reviews (Review) https://sinfullywickedbookreviews.wordpress.com
Nesie’s Place (Review) https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com
Jill’s Book Blog (Review) https://jilljemmett.com
Feb. 20th
Books and Belle (Excerpt) https://booksandbelleblog.wordpress.com
Beware the Reader (Excerpt) http://bewareofthereader.com
Jenacidebybibliophile (Review) https://jenacidebybibliophile.com
Darque Dreamer Reads (Review) https://darquedreamerreads.wordpress.com
Cover to Cover (Excerpt) http://www.liisthinks.wordpress.com
Feb. 21st
Girl Masked (Review) http://girlmasked.wordpress.com
Didi Oviatt (Excerpt) https://didioviatt.wordpress.com
Book Reviews by Shalini (Excerpt) www.bookreviewsbyshalini.wordpress.com
The Starving Book Worm (Review) http://thestarvingbookworm.wordpress.com
Tranquil Dreams (Review) http://klling.wordpress.com
Feb. 22nd
Splashes Into Books (Review) http://splashesintobooks.wordpress.com
Kristin’s Novel Café (Review) https://knovelcafe.wordpress.com
The Bookworm Chronicles (Excerpt) https://www.muretbookworm.wordpress.com
Feb. 23rd
The Orangutan Librarian (Review) https://theorangutanlibrarian.wordpress.com
On the Shelf Book Reviews (Excerpt) https://ontheshelfreviews.wordpress.com
Love Books Group (Review) http://lovebooksgroup.blog
Just 4 My Books (Review) https://just4mybooks.wordpress.com
Thank you so much for this wonderful review and for participating on the book tour!! 🙂
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You’re very welcome! 🙂
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Great review! It was same for me as well, I wanted to read more specifically about Alexa’s past.
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Thank you! Yeah I get that!
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Amazing review! I’m so happy you agreed to do this tour! You’re welcome anytime!
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Thank you so much!
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Great review! Will definitely be adding this one. ❤
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Thank you- I’m glad ❤
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How did you find your first blog tour? I haven’t done one yet.
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I honestly had a good time doing it- it wasn’t something I planned, I just already had the ARC, so when I was asked to do this as well it seemed like a good fit. I will say that Reads and Reels (who hosted) was really helpful at organising it, so I do recommend checking her out if you’d like to give it a go! 🙂
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Cheers
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I can definitely understand you being excited to be hosting your first blog tour. That is seriously awesome! Congrats 🎉🎉 Loved your review, but don’t exactly know if this would be a book that I would quite enjoy myself as it’s not my usual cup of tea. But that said, this was a wonderful post. Hopefully you can be a part of many more blog tours in the future 😀
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Thanks very much!! 😀 Fair enough- but I’m really glad you enjoyed the post!! 😀
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Great review! I’m honestly surprised it’s your first tour though, here’s to many more to come. 🙂
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Thank you!! 🙂
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You’re welcome!
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Nice review! Seems quite interesting!
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Thank you!
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So exciting you will be going on your first blog tour and you got asked to review this book!! 😀 xx
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Thank you very much! 😀 xx
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It’s okay 😘 xx
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Awesome review! Got to admit that everyone who has read this author’s stories have absolutely loved it so far. Definitely sounds promising!
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Thank you! I’m glad 😀
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Great review, and also congrats on taking part in your first blog tour as well. It seems like you had a lot of fun and the fact that you loved the book as well is an added bonus for sure! 😀 Leuschel sounds like a talented writer, and I guess after loving this one and her debut you’ll definitely be picking up the next book she comes out with right?
Again great review! 🙂 ❤
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Thank you!! I did 😀 She is definitely talented. Absolutely 🙂
Thank you!! 🙂 ❤
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Yes! Knew you were going to like the story! 🙂
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😀
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Oooh! This sounds great, even though novellas aren’t usually my thing. I’ve been trying to find a good one sitting book to fulfil a reading challenge category – sounds like this might fit the bill! 😊
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Ah that’s brilliant 😊😊
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